Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty and flavorful meal that practically makes itself, you’ll love this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe. It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken simmered slowly in a rich, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce that’s bursting with authentic flavors. Whether you’re new to slow cooker dishes or an experienced home cook, this recipe offers a simple, fuss-free way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home, with minimal effort and maximum taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off Cooking: Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
• Rich and Flavorful: The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with deep, mouthwatering teriyaki flavors.
• Versatile Meal: Serve with rice, noodles, or veggies for a customizable dinner everyone will enjoy.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients for an easy recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes great leftovers with flavors that actually improve the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe keeps things simple with an accessible ingredient list. Each component plays a clear role to build layers of flavor, balance texture, and create that irresistible glossy sauce.

• Chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender throughout the slow cooking, soaking up the sauce perfectly.
• Soy sauce: The salty, umami base that defines teriyaki’s character.
• Honey or brown sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the savoriness and deepen the caramel notes.
• Garlic and ginger: Fresh aromatics that bring brightness and a hint of warmth.
• Rice vinegar: Lends a subtle tang to brighten the sauce.
• Water or chicken broth: Keeps the sauce from getting too thick and helps the chicken cook evenly.
• Cornstarch slurry: Used at the end to thicken the sauce into that perfect sticky glaze.

Variations for Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

Feel free to customize this recipe based on what you have on hand, your dietary needs, or your flavor preferences. It’s incredibly forgiving and adapts well to different twists.

• With vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas halfway through to boost nutrition and color.
• Spicy kick: Mix in some sriracha, chili flakes, or fresh diced chilies for a fiery note.
• Low sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt for a healthier version.
• Gluten-free: Substitute tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce.
• Stickier sauce: Increase the brown sugar or honey slightly to get an extra glossy teriyaki glaze.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), minced garlic, grated ginger, rice vinegar, and water or chicken broth. This blend will form the flavorful liquid your chicken simmers in.

Step 2: Add Chicken to the Slow Cooker

Place skinless, boneless chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated to soak in all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will become meltingly tender and soak in all the teriyaki goodness.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

About 20 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker liquid to thicken the sauce, turning it into a luscious, sticky glaze.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once thickened, give everything a gentle stir, then serve the chicken hot over steamed rice or noodles, spooning extra teriyaki sauce on top.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

• Use chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender longer than breasts, which can dry out in the slow cooker.
• Layer flavors: Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference compared to powdered versions.
• Avoid over-thickening: Add the cornstarch slurry late in cooking to get the perfect sauce consistency.
• Don’t lift the lid: Resist opening the slow cooker too often to keep heat trapped for even cooking.
• Adjust sweetness to taste: Start with less honey or sugar and add more if you like a sweeter glaze.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki

Garnishes

Sprinkle sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or finely chopped fresh cilantro on top for a fresh, crunchy contrast to the rich chicken.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice, fluffy quinoa, or buttery noodles. Add a side of sautéed broccoli, snap peas, or steamed bok choy for a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, use the chicken as a filling in lettuce wraps or inside tortillas with shredded cabbage for a fusion-style taco. You can even toss the chopped chicken with a salad for a teriyaki-inspired bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken teriyaki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even tastier meal the next day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Place cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers or bags and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken breasts may become dry if overcooked, so adjust cooking time accordingly and watch closely if using breasts.

Is it possible to make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken, then pressure cook on high for about 10 minutes with natural release.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the chicken like a glaze but still pourable; using the cornstarch slurry towards the end helps achieve this.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, substitute tofu or tempeh for the chicken and use tamari or coconut aminos to keep it plant-based and flavorful.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or flour mixed with water as a thickening agent if you don’t have cornstarch available.

Final Thoughts

If you want a delicious, fuss-free dinner that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delights your taste buds, give this Slow Cooker Chicken Teriyaki recipe a try. It’s comforting, simple, and endlessly adaptable, proving that slow cooking can be a total game changer for weeknight meals. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every sticky, savory bite!